Open to the Public
In August 2018, British artist Alex Chinneck returned with a new outdoor artwork in Ashford, Kent.
‘Open to the public’ appeared overnight, with Chinneck secretly transforming an unused building into a surreal sculpture.
The artwork, commissioned by U+I, a specialist regeneration and property developer recognised for creative vision and entrepreneurial flair, creates the illusion that the walls of a 1960s office building have been unzipped to reveal its interior. In doing so, Chinneck elevates the everyday structure to the status of an artwork, bending its walls and windows as if by magic.
Over the past five years, the artist has completed a succession of major street sculptures including sliding the brick facade off a three-storey property in Margate; constructing a full-size melting house from 7,500 wax bricks in London Bridge; creating the illusion that a stone building on London’s Covent Garden Piazza was floating in mid-air; and inverting a 37 m electricity pylon to stand on its tip.
The installation is on the Kent Wool Growers site, which is also home to the Grade 2* listed building, The Whist, and will temporarily transform a derelict building into a statement work of art, illuminated by night.
“We are excited to have an artist of Alex’s calibre and renowned reputation bringing his surreal sense of fun to a disused building and completely changing it overnight into a sensational talking point for all who see it.” said Cllr Mike Bennett, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder for culture.
Richard Upton, Deputy Chief Executive at U+I said: “We have been involved in a number of projects in Ashford and have enjoyed working with Ashford Borough Council on the regeneration of this vibrant town. When we discovered Alex Chinneck was local to the area and producing such ground-breaking work, it was only a matter of time before we had to find an excuse to collaborate. Open to the public is an art piece that chimes with our own values as a business – that property development and regeneration should be about places for people – collaborative, inclusive and authentic.”
Alex Chinneck: ‘Open to the public’ is a temporary installation available to view throughout August 2018. Address: Brundrett House, Tannery Lane, Ashford, TN23 1PN.
Instagram: @alexchinneck #opentothepublic www.alexchinneck.com
This article was originally published by U+I on 1 August 2018.
--U and I
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.